What Is the List of DAX Functions in Power BI?
Power BI’s DAX functions are grouped into categories — mathematical, logical, statistical, text, and more — each built to handle a specific kind of calculation, from summing numbers to returning values based on a condition to manipulating text strings.
DAX Function Categories
- Mathematical: SUM(), AVERAGE(), DIVIDE(), ROUND() — perform numeric calculations and safe division.
- Logical: IF(), AND(), OR(), SWITCH() — return values based on conditions.
- Statistical: COUNT(), COUNTROWS(), DISTINCTCOUNT(), MIN(), MAX() — summarize and count data.
- Text: CONCATENATE(), LEFT(), RIGHT(), UPPER(), FORMAT() — manipulate and format text strings.
- Operators: + – * /, =, <>, >, <, &&, || — arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators used inside expressions.
Finding a Downloadable DAX Function List
Microsoft’s official DAX function reference is the most reliable source for a complete, current list, since it updates alongside each Power BI Desktop release — a static downloadable PDF tends to go out of date within a few months.
How to Find and Use the Right DAX Function in Power BI
This short walkthrough shows how to locate the right DAX function for a calculation in about 5 steps, using Power BI Desktop’s built-in formula bar autocomplete and function tooltips.
Prerequisites
- Power BI Desktop open with a table loaded
- A calculation goal in mind (e.g., a running total, a text combination)
Steps
- Open the formula bar: Start a New Measure or New Column and begin typing an equals sign.
- Start typing the operation you want: e.g. type “count” to see every function starting with that word.
- Read the autocomplete suggestions: Each suggestion shows a short description and its category.
- Check the argument tooltip: After selecting a function and typing (, Power BI shows the expected argument types and order.
- Pick the closest match and test: Complete the formula, confirm it, and check the result against what you expected.
